Australian captain Pat Cummins has responded directly to Indian counterpart Rohit Sharma’s suggestion of a three-match Test series for the ICC World Test Championship final. Drawing a comparison to the Olympics, Cummins emphasized that athletes win or lose medals for their country in a single attempt at the quadrennial event. His remarks followed Australia’s impressive 209-run victory over India, securing their first-ever WTC trophy.
Speaking at a press conference, the 30-year-old told reporters, “We have already emerged as the champions of the WTC. It’s not just about a three-match series for the final; it could even be a 16-match series. Athletes in the Olympics win medals with only one final opportunity.”
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Previously, Rohit Sharma had expressed his belief that a three-match series would be ideal for the WTC final in the next cycle. Pat Cummins, thrilled to lead Australia to their maiden ICC trophy in the longest format of the game, remarked, “It has been an incredible two years. We have had this final marked on our calendar for a while. It has been a buildup that we have relished.”
When asked about his favorite ICC trophy, Pat Cummins replied, “I don’t know, it’s probably like trying to pick your favorite kid, but it’s satisfying.”
In addition to the WTC, the New South Wales-born cricketer has been part of Australia’s victorious campaigns in the 2015 World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup. Cummins and his team will now focus on their quest to defeat England in the upcoming Ashes series, aiming to achieve their first away victory since 2001. However, Cummins emphasized the importance of relishing the experience of winning the ICC title before shifting their focus to the upcoming series.
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Pat Cummins stated, “I know we have a big series against England, but we can think about that in a couple of days. You only have a few moments in your career where you can sit back and appreciate a truly special achievement, and this is one of those times.”
The opening Test between England and Australia is scheduled to begin on June 16 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.